You will visit

BudapestAtoms/Icons/Arrow DestinationCreated with Sketch.Istanbul

Trip Comfort

Budget

Age requirement

12 to 100 years old

From pastoral countryside to forbidding forests and fairytale villages, this tour from Budapest to Istanbul is definitely the road less travelled, but absolutely a worthy adventure to take. Over 13 days, you’ll explore the weathered architecture of Budapest, grand Ottoman palaces, “Dracula’s Castle” in Transylvania, and much more. With an intriguing combination of cultural colour and exploration, you'll come away with a real feel for this lesser-explored corner of Europe.

Starts

Budapest

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13 Days

Ends

Istanbul

Itinerary

Day 1 — Budapest

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Arrive at any time.

Day 2 — Budapest/Sighișoara

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Enjoy an orientation walk of Budapest to get a feel for this charming city. Opt to spend free time visiting Buda Castle, wandering the streets of Pest, or soaking in a thermal bath.
This evening, visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café and enjoy a farewell drink, before boarding an overnight train to Sibiu.

Meals: BREAKFAST

Day 3 — Sighișoara

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Head to the enchanting town of Sighișoara. Use your free time here to explore the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.

Day 4 — Sighișoara/Braşov

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With a local guide, venture into the Romanian countryside to visit traditional villages. Get a true sense of life in this less-visited region. Visit charming Brasov.

Meals: BREAKFAST

Day 5 — Braşov

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Visit the picturesque Bran Castle and learn the history (and rumours) of this fascinating place.

Meals: BREAKFAST

Day 6 — Braşov/Bucharest

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Travel to Bucharest and enjoy an orientation walk. Take time to explore the Soviet-esque architecture, the beautiful cathedral, or indulge in Bucharest's international cuisine.

Meals: BREAKFAST

Day 7 — Bucharest/Veliko Tarnovo

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Enjoy some free time to explore more of Bucharest in the morning before travelling to Bulgaria and one of the oldest cities in the world, Veliko Tarnovo. Wander the medieval town, visit the museums, or sample your first taste of Bulgarian cuisine.

Meals: BREAKFAST

Day 8 — Veliko Tarnovo

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Enjoy the morning in the medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Arbanasi. Soak in the views over Veliko Tarnovo.

Meals: BREAKFAST

Day 9 — Veliko Tarnovo/Sofia

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Travel to Sofia and take an orientation walk of the capital city. Later, wander down the pedestrian street or visit the eclectic Ladies' Market.

Meals: BREAKFAST

Day 10 — Sofia/Plovdiv

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Travel to Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city. Visit the hilly old town, museums, or the Theatre of Ancient Philippopolis, one of the many Roman ruins found here.

Meals: BREAKFAST

Day 11 — Plovdiv/Istanbul

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Spend the day exploring more of Plovdiv before boarding an evening bus to Istanbul.

Meals: BREAKFAST

Day 12 — Istanbul

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Enjoy a city tour with a local Turkish guide. Opt to visit the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya), and the Topkapı Palace.